Join OC Parks naturalists and explore the different ways seeds spread in nature! We will test several dispersal methods, take a short walk and plant a seed to take home! 

This program is designed for ages 7 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. 

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelbi Richardson at shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program.

Join OC Parks on a guided hike and learn about key landmarks, trail connections, scenic viewpoints and the incredible wildlife and native plants within Laguna Coast Wilderness Park! We’ll share tips for exploring and stewarding the land responsibly along the way. This program is perfect for first-time visitors, new volunteers or anyone who wants to feel more at home in the coastal canyons. 

This is an easy, 3-mile hike with minimal elevation gain from the Nix Nature Center to Barbara’s Lake, climbing Edison Trail to an overlook of the lake and mountain views. 

The program is designed for ages 12 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Closed-toe shoes, sun protection and plenty of water are recommended. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

Please be aware this is a fitness hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile.

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 8-mile hike over very steep and uneven terrain with approximately 730 feet of elevation gain. This route begins at Aliso Creek Trail East, continues up Sheep Run and down Meadows Trail. Your hard work will be rewarded with sweeping views of Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park! 

Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection, and bring water. Participants must be 16 or older. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

The program will meet at the visitor center.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Please review safety precautions and protocols when registering. 

For questions, call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends.

*This program begins at Canyon View Park, 22144 Canyon Vistas, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656*

Explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park where you might see deer, bobcats and hawks. Learn about acorn woodpeckers, the wonderful ways of woodrats and the peculiar nature of certain plants. Enjoy wildlife sounds, smells and sights on this moderate 5-mile hike on rocky terrain with less than 500 feet of elevation gain. 

Participants must be 16 or older. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

The program and parking are free. Limited street parking is available nearby.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

For questions, call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends. 

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call Aliso Creek home.

Volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities including removing non-native plants, cleaning up the creek or planting native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. 

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program and parking are free for volunteers. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

For questions, please call 949-923-2200. 

*This program begins at Canyon View Park, 22144 Canyon Vistas, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656*

Get up close with the trails you use and see them in a whole new way as we work together to protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of trails at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 

Activities include clearing drains to remove water from the trail, pruning vegetation back, moving dirt to rebuild eroded tread and restoring impacted areas. No experience necessary and gloves and tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. Be prepared to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools. 

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program and parking are free. Limited street parking is available nearby. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

For questions, call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends. 

The best camera is the one you have with you, and for most, it's also your cell phone!

Join us for a beginner’s program and learn how to take great photos with your cell phone. Each session will cover photography theory basics, phone camera settings and editing techniques, with time to practice in the park.

The program will begin outside the nature center. Be prepared to hike around and explore the landscape at your leisure.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sun protection, sturdy footwear and water are encouraged. Most importantly, don't forget your phone!

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Join us at Irvine Regional Park to lend a hand restoring the Habitat Adventure Trail by removing invasive species, cleaning up excess debris, trimming large shrubs and preparing the area for new plantings of native species.

General purpose gardening gloves and long pants are recommended and tools and gloves will be available on-site. 

The program and parking are free for volunteers. Please notify the park attendant you are volunteering when you arrive. 

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks. The program will begin at the Habitat Adventure Trail trailhead near parking lot G.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at 657-253-3681 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

*This program takes place at Santiago Oaks Regional Park, 2145 N. Windes Dr., Orange, CA 92869*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources. 

Participants will explore Santiago Oaks Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program will begin outside the nature center.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Click here to learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

The winter rain has lifted and revealed a beautiful bouquet of California wildflowers. Join us for a slow-paced, moderate climb along the North Loop Trail and be rewarded with scenic views of the Peters Canyon Reservoir and surrounding area. Along the way, we will peruse the petals of blooms currently sprouting along with some of the year-round favorites.

This program will begin in front of the park office near the restrooms and flagpole. The hike will travel about 2 miles with some elevation gain. Be prepared to hike steep hills. 

Sun protection, sturdy footwear and plenty of water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended.

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Inclement weather may cancel this program.